Disney becomes the first studio to gross $7 billion in a single year at the global box office

With a string of hits under its belt, 2016 had already been a stellar year for Walt Disney Pictures at the global box office, but thanks to the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the House of Mouse has become the first studio to break the $7 billion mark in a single year, beating the $6.89 million record haul set by Universal last year.

Spurred on by by Rogue One’s $290 million worldwide opening, Disney has grossed $2.7 billion domestically and $4.3 billion from international markets. It has the four highest grossing movies of the year in Captain America: Civil War ($1.15 billion worldwide), Finding Dory ($1.03 billion), Zootopia, ($1.02 billion), The Jungle Book ($966.6 million) – and could well hold all of the top five once Rogue One finishes its run.

“This historic achievement is possible because all of our film studios are bringing their absolute best to the table, telling great stories of all kinds that resonate with audiences across borders, gender, and generations,” said Disney chairman Alan Horn. “These films work because each one has not only something for everyone, but everything for someone. It’s our honor to be able to create these experiences for audiences, and we’re thankful to them for continuing to come out to the theater with us.”

Spidey-Homecoming is a Sony release, so that doesn’t affect Disney’s numbers (although they will undoubtedly get a hefty sum for it). Thor3 might do Dr.Strange numbers if it’s good, maybe better. Will GOTGv2 cross the billion-mark? What about the animated content? I’m not ready to call $10B just yet..

I can’t see them getting close to $10 billion. I would expect it will be a good few years before any studio reaches that. It’s just too much of a jump given the increments in the record-breaking the past few years.

Beauty and the Beast will likely push a billion (if it’s good). Question marks over Pirates of the Caribbean due to Johnny Depp’s recent form but that could also be a billion. Guardians I think will get close, and Episode VIII will surely be $1.5 billion plus. I’m not sure on Cars 3 and Coco though. It would not surprise me if they are around the same as this year.